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Reference Collection

The Reference Collection is comprised of books, periodicals, microfilms, CD-ROMs and electronic databases and subscriptions that support research into the collections of the curatorial departments. The collection is particularly strong in materials related to medieval and Renaissance manuscripts and their iconography; paleography; incunabula and early printed books; bookbinding and books on books; and ancient Near Eastern seals and archaeology. Other strengths reflect the collecting interests of the Morgan, including monographs on master draftsmen, musicians and historical figures represented in the Morgan collections by their drawings and manuscripts.

Significant collections received in the past fifteen years include E.A. Lowe's collection of paleographical studies, Gordon N. Ray's reference books on book illustration and literature, Curt F. Bühler's collection of books on incunables and early printing, Edith Porada's collection of books and offprints relating to cylinder seals and archaeology, Julia P. Wightman's superb reference library of books on books and bookbinding, and Janos Scholz's library of books on Italian master drawings. Recent notable gifts of books on modern and contemporary art have been received from Eugene Thaw, Werner Kramarsky, and The Pierre and Maria-Gaetana Matisse Foundation. Noteworthy purchases were also made at the sales of the H.P. Kraus and Bernard Breslauer libraries.

The programs of The Morgan Library & Museum are made possible with public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.